A certificate of good standing from Indiana validates that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was founded lawfully and has been properly maintained.
In our Certificate of Good Standing Indiana tutorial, we will go over the qualifications for good standing as well as how to get one in Indiana.
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How Do I Obtain an Indiana Certificate of Good Standing?
Request your certificate of good standing, also known as a certificate of existence in Indiana, from the Secretary of State.
There are two major processes involved in obtaining your certificate of good standing:
1. Maintain your LLC’s compliance
2. Request a certificate of good standing.
What exactly is a good standing certificate? A certificate of good standing is a state document that confirms your company was created lawfully and has been properly maintained.
Step 1: Ensure that your Indiana business is in compliance.
To be eligible for an Indiana certificate of existence, your company must meet the following state compliance requirements:
Permits and Licenses
To run a company in Indiana, you must adhere to federal, state, and municipal licensing requirements. Regulations such as health permits and construction permits are examples of this.
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website has further information on state licensing requirements.
State levies
Depending on your company activity, you may be required to register for several types of Indiana state tax. Sales tax, withholding tax, and Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax are all examples of this.
Annual Reports
Every Indiana LLC and corporation is required to file a biennial report. This report confirms the company’s fundamental facts, such as its primary office location and registered agent.
The report is submitted to the Secretary of State either online or by mail. It is due every other year on the last day of the month in which the company was founded. The fee is $31 if paid online and $50 if paid by mail.
Step 2: Request an Indiana Certificate of Good Standing.
Once your company is in good standing with the state, you can apply to the Secretary of State for an Indiana certificate of existence. This may be done online or in the mail.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing Required in Indiana?
While you don’t always need a certificate of existence to run a business in Indiana, there are a few situations where you might. These are some examples:
Purchasing commercial insurance
Applying for commercial loans
Establishing a business checking account
Getting a business license in another state